FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2004 |
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Nicole Smith (404) 364-8447
nsmith@oglethorpe.edu
|
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art Displays
Works of Prodigious Russian Painter
(press release also
available in Russian)
ATLANTA – The world of arts and culture can be thankful that a
young, Russian artist rejected his elitist father’s decree that the
boy should follow him into the “more fitting” practice of the law.
While he did finish law school in his native St. Petersburg, the
son, Nicholas Konstantinovich Roerich (1874 – 1947), was more
intrigued by archeology, architecture, music, science, poetry and
painting. He interpreted these transcendental experiences into
thousands of mystical works of art.
Thirty-five of Roerich’s paintings from private American
collections will be on display for the first time in America at the
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art from Sept. 19 through Dec. 19.
This unique presentation includes some of the first Western
paintings of Tibet and Central Asia, a painting from the opera
“Sadko” and a haunting Russian Orthodox iconic version of the “Queen
of Heaven.”
“Roerich’s paintings, especially those of the majestic mountains
of the Himalayas, are stunning in their ability to capture the
viewer’s imagination and ease the viewer into a state of
contemplative meditation,” says Lloyd Nick, director of OUMA. “Once
the eyes have caught these splendid, calming images, they become a
permanent part of the viewer’s memory. There is a substance to the
work of Roerich that magically reaches the deepest part of each one
of us.”
Roerich’s philosophy, being universal, enabled him to perceive
mystical, seemingly unrelated connections between art, science and
society. He explored the spiritual yearnings of humanity and
translated the images into his paintings. Roerich was the creator of
the concept that is OUMA’s motto, “Knowledge through Beauty.”
Roerich was in the United States from 1920 to 1923 before he and
wife Helena moved to Kullu, India, at the foot of the Himalayas.
Together they founded and developed a new philosophical teaching
called Agni Yoga. Agni Yoga is a synthesis of ancient Eastern
beliefs and modern Western thought, and a bridge between the
spiritual and the scientific.
Nicholas Roerich died in Kullu on Dec. 13, 1947, leaving behind a
legacy of 7,000 works of art.
Photos are available.
About the Museum
Comprising two spacious galleries and occupying some 7,000 square
feet on the third floor of Lowry Hall and Philip Weltner Library of
Oglethorpe University, OUMA offers an attractive and pleasant
environment for the viewing of elegantly curated exhibits.
Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is easily accessible, offers
ample free parking and admits visitors free of charge. The museum’s
gift shop features a wide selection of museum-inspired and
multicultural gifts, books and crafts.
Museum Hours:
Tuesdays through
Sundays: Noon to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays and university holidays
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